CC 3K! The stories behind Sabathia's most significant strikeouts

Now in his final season in the bigs, CC Sabathia admits one number has been flashing through his mind frequently since spring training began in February: 3,000.

Whether prepping for a game, pitching in one, or even taking in a quiet, off-the-field moment, the New York Yankees starter and possible future Hall of Famer has regularly been preoccupied with thoughts about one of baseball's roundest and most iconic numbers.

Specifically, he has pondered joining just 16 other pitchers in major league history to record 3,000 strikeouts. By doing that Tuesday, the southpaw also became only the third lefty to accomplish the hallowed feat.

Still, as the moment approached, Sabathia's patience had grown…